Spare {summer}time.

I absolutely love the summertime. After working hard for the entire school year, it is so refreshing to have a change in my routine and the opportunity to have a little bit of free time! Because I plan on being a teacher, I look forward to enjoying future summer "breaks" (even though I will still be working) because having two months away from school allows me to accomplish many of my goals that end up being put on the back burner. Although this list is definitely not complete, there are several things that I wish to accomplish this summer, so I am writing this post mostly to keep myself accountable!

1. Fix up the broken and shabby desk that I have been using since middle school. (strip, sand, stain, replace hardware, etc.) Though I have plenty of experience making crafts and artwork, I have never done a DIY project this intense. I will definitely be posting about this when this undertaking is complete.

2. Become more experienced in the kitchen. After 4 years of receiving all of my meals at my sorority (I'm so thankful for this), I will be cooking for myself for the 1st time next semester. Although I am not a complete beginner, I would love to expand my repertoire of recipes. In order to do this, I am trying to make dinner for my family at least once a week (this is my for sure mom's favorite goal...She despises making dinner).

3. Pass my AEPA exams. I will be taking them in July, and after looking at the study guides, I'm more nervous than I thought I would be! I will be house/dog sitting the entire week before the exams, so I am hoping to cram in a big chunk of studying at that time, but I still need to being studying soon.

4. Finish two commissioned paintings, and just continue making art in general. One of the paintings I am making is for my cousin, and I'm really excited to start working on it. It will be so nice to make a little extra money doing something that I enjoy.

5. READ READ READ! Reading is one of my favorite activities. Give me a good book, my two pups, and a comfy couch and I become the most content girl on the planet. I will have nearly no time to do this next semester, so I am trying to maximize my reading potential this summer.

{I may have been feeling a bit ambitious at the library last week}

Today is my little sister's first day of summer, so we planned a fun "summer sis day"! With that, I am off to go tackle her in bed gently and quietly wake her up!